I am learning ???

[Limey Linda]

First and foremost many thanks to peeps both sides of the pond with my initial problems. Also to the existence of this great forum ( thanks JK). I think I have solved the blown hyd. steering seals problem. You just cannot buy them from the maker/dealers. A local hydraulic repair shop has offered to rebuild it for parts cost and 1 hour of labour if I take it in. after spending 5 hours trying to find parts I did not quibble. Have found a local Mercury Dealer that will service the engine. Next priority is to check out the trailer so I do not end up in a ditch; and get the correct size tow ball.
Thanks again to all
Tony.
Time to update my profile I guess

[BBirnie]

Congratulations on the new boat I was just looking at that rib this past weekend on ebay, seems like a great deal. Post some pics when you can of your progress on it.

[Limey Linda]

Originally Posted by BBirnie

Congratulations on the new boat I was just looking at that rib this past weekend on ebay, seems like a great deal. Post some pics when you can of your progress on it.

Will take a while for pics. Trying to get the trailer sorted so I can move it.
Has 50mm ISO tow coupling and cannot find a ball. will have to make one from a 2 inch ( 50.1mm). Got trailer electrical sorted today. It is bloody hot ( 95 degrees) so I am moving slowly.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Will take a while for pics. Trying to get the trailer sorted so I can move it.
Has 50mm ISO tow coupling and cannot find a ball. will have to make one from a 2 inch ( 50.1mm). Got trailer electrical sorted today. It is bloody hot ( 95 degrees) so I am moving slowly.

would it be easier to change the hitch on the trailer to one of your weird american standards?

[rickuk3]

Or buy a tow ball from the UK, it would make it difficult for someone to nick the boat
Richard

[Limey Linda]

Would be very costly to change the hitch as it is part of the braking system. Buying a 50mm ball from the Uk would not prevent it being nicked as the US. 2 inch is 1mm bigger and would easily work. Will only take be about an hour to turn a 2 inch ball ( 50.1mm) in a 50 mm. so no big deal. Just chuck it up in the lathe and skim off the extra 1mm. from the horizontal diameter. The radius at the top will be slightly off but so close as to make no difference.
Thanks for all the input.
When will the arrogant USA come in line with the rest of the world? Tow balls, DVD's, video tapes etc, etc, etc,

[Limey Linda]

After careful deliberation, consultation, and thought, I have decided on a name for my new ( needs fixin) boat. This required considerable discussion with my Uncle who is the sole survivor of a family of 5 brothers that were RN. Capital ships served upon included the Hood ( unfortunately) ARK ( two of them), Victorious, Royal Yacht, Illustrious, Repulse etc. etc.
We decided upon "The Inde" thus connected with CS Forester's "Hornblower" and the carrier.
We agreed that using the full name "Indefatigable" was going a bit to far.
Wish I could fly the Blue ensign but I cannot, but my Dad could.
Hope this meets with approval. Somewhat ironic as it is an Italian boat and the history of Battle of Taranto.
Cheers to all
T.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Would be very costly to change the hitch as it is part of the braking system.

Ah - ok.

Buying a 50mm ball from the Uk would not prevent it being nicked as the US. 2 inch is 1mm bigger and would easily work.

you should be able to buy a 50mm ball in the US - I think overtons sell them - sure I have seen some unusual "multiway" balls to cover the possibility.

Will only take be about an hour to turn a 2 inch ball ( 50.1mm) in a 50 mm. so no big deal. Just chuck it up in the lathe and skim off the extra 1mm. from the horizontal diameter. The radius at the top will be slightly off but so close as to make no difference.

2" is 50.8mm not 50.1 mm

That sort of modification would invalidate EC type approval in the UK and thus effectively be illegal - of course it would almost certainly be unnoticed unless you were involved in an accident.

Is there a risk that someone tries to tow a 2" hitch with this ball at some point in the future (it will fit but may not be as secure) - and has an accident?

[Limey Linda]

Polwart
All good points. The multiway is 1/78, 2 and 2/5/6 inchs. No 50mm.
Will continue the search for a 50mm. In the mean time I will have to use a modified 2 inch.
Thanks.

[Stoo]

I'm sure one of our mates from "over-'ome" would have the balls to share...